Newton County Sheriff’s Office (7-5-25 1:10am/  update 7-7-25 3:14pm)

 

On July 4, 2025 7:55pm, Newton County 9-1-1 Communications received reports of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SR 55 and CR 1000S.

 

The preliminary investigation by Deputy Duncan indicates a Chevrolet pickup (driven by a 65 year-old, Mark VanVleet) was traveling east on CR 1000S.  Due to a mechanical failure, the pickup was unable to yield to a northbound Dodge passenger vehicle (driven by Darwin Cavillo-Perez,  20 year-old Goodland, IN).

 

The Mark VanVleet was pronounced dead at the scene.  Darwin Cavillo-Perez was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.  Once released from the hospital, he was arrested for Operator never licensed and transported to the Newton County Jail.

 

 

Assisting agencies: Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Brook Police, Kentland Police, Indiana State Police, Goodland Police, Brook Fire, Newton County EMS and the Newton County Coroner.